Pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer licensing in Georgia

[Brad Davis]

Can anyone give me info on where to get the study materials, take the test, cost, etcetera? Thanks for all help!

[CSRA Landscaping]

Local cooperative extension office of UGA. Good luck!

[Fvstringpicker]

http://www.agr.state.ga.us/html/pest_app_lic_cert.html

[Luscious Lawns]

Hey Brad

Looks Like we work the same patch of weeds. I had an inspection By Georgia Department of Agriculture today, and they are quite serious about complying with regulations. Here is a link you may find helpful. http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/Pesticideapplicator/pest-home.html


Allen

[Brad Davis]

Hey Allen, thanks man!

[khutch]

Brad, it is a two part test: General Standards (easy) and Ornamentals & Turf. (MUCH more difficult) You must pass both, but if you pass one (Gen. Standards) and fail the other, you retest on the one you failed only, no extra fee.....Failure rate for the O & T part is 50% I am told. You can only retest once in any given month. It was tough to me because it was very broad focus test. You need to know more than a little about every thing in the UGA study guide (you need this!!!!)
Good Luck!!

[LawnJohn]

True.. Lean the O & T book backwards and forwards!! The test is tough!!!!!!!!

[Brad Davis]

Where do I get the study materials? Thanks for the heads-up!

[muddstopper]

The test is basic knowledge and common sense. I went to UGA last year never having even looked at the books. Had no intentions of even taking the tests just wanted a first time exposure to the requirements. After 8 hrs of different people discussing the material and slide show presentations I decided to take the test just to see what material was on it. The testing fees are refundable if you fail so I thought what the heck. Ended up with a turf and ornamental pestcontrol license. Ive never used them alto I might in the future. I just dont feel comfortable that the class qualified me to go out and start spraying chemicals. I have learned more here at Lawnsite about pestcontrol than the class taught me.

[mark2]

Hey Allen! I was inspected on 6-4-04. Was it Rick that inspected you?
Brad these guys are right. I don't know if you have experience or not. The more you have the better. You can pass the test just by reviewing the book.
Call 404-656-4958 That's for GA Dept. of Ag tell them what you need. You'll probably talk to Martha.
THey offer the test at the trade show in Atlanta. That is also a good place to get recertification credits by attending their seminars. They offer a review session from 8AM till lunch and the test after lunch. That's the best thing to do in my opinion. I think the show is in Dec. That would give you plenty of time to study.
I can't remember who puts on the show. Look up Ga green industry assoc. on the net or maybe grow and mow expo (GAME)
or you could look up the supt. assoc. at GGCSA Call them they can tell you when and how to register.

[Luscious Lawns]

Yes

It was Rick. He tells me he works 9 counties. I'm not sure which ones exactly but I'm sure at least Hall and Gwinnett. I know he wrote up 3 Gwinnett County Firemen for not having O/T license while spraying chemicals. Evidently there are a lot of part time scaper/fireman out there.

Also guys remember the Cat 24 license by itself does not allow you to shoot pesticides. If you are not working for someone else with one, you must posess a Pesticide Contractors License. The PCL is not difficult to obtain, but without it you're not legal! When you get the PCL,,,expect a call from Rick.

The link sent by Fvstringpicker allows anyone to check the licenses status of any applicator in the state. I use this as a selling tool for prospective clients. As part of my sales jacket, I include licenses my company posseses. It is a plus when you can give the client a URL and they can check for themself.